Bat Pagoda

Mai Lan · CC BY-SA 2.0

An ancient Khmer pagoda famous for the thousands of flying foxes hanging from its old-growth trees.

Bat Pagoda, known in Khmer as Mahatup, is one of the oldest and most sacred Khmer pagodas in Soc Trang, with over four hundred years of history. It features signature Theravada Buddhist architecture with multi-tiered curved roofs, columns carved with celestial maidens and brilliant motifs. What makes it famous nationwide is the thousands of giant flying foxes hanging from the old hopea and dipterocarp trees in the grounds. Each evening, the colony wakes all at once and fills the sky as it flies off to feed, creating a remarkable spectacle. Locals believe the bats are a good omen, sheltered by the pagoda through the centuries. Bat Pagoda is a place where spirituality, Khmer culture and wondrous nature meet.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Bat Pagoda?

Year-round; Khmer festivals and the evening are the best times

How much does it cost to visit Bat Pagoda?

5,000 VND

How long do you need at Bat Pagoda?

1-2 hours

What are the opening hours of Bat Pagoda?

07:00 - 18:00 daily

Did you know

Its Khmer name is Mahatup Pagoda, with over 400 years of history in Soc Trang.
Thousands of giant flying foxes hang from the old-growth trees in the grounds.
It features signature Theravada Khmer Buddhist architecture with multi-tiered curved roofs.
Locals regard the bats as a good omen, protected by the pagoda through the centuries.

Travel tips

Come at dusk to watch the bat colony fly off to feed, filling the sky.
Dress respectfully and stay quiet when visiting the pagoda grounds.

Source: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10748406

Updated: 2026-08-06